This morning it was announced that the Australian Opals / Toronto Tempo head coach will be inducted to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame next June.
Brondello joins rare air as the fourth Australian in history to be inducted alongside Michele Timms, Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor.
Fellow inductees in the Class of 2027 features joining basketball icons Diana Taurasi, Mike Thibault, Dee Kantner, Dr. Judith Holland and Molly Bolin Kazmer in recognition of their outstanding contributions to women's basketball.
The WBHOF honour continues a remarkable period of recognition for Brondello, who was named as an inductee to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame last month.
“I am incredibly honoured to be part of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2027,” says Brondello.
“Basketball has given me so much and to be recognised alongside people who have helped shape our game is very special. I’m grateful to my family, players and coaches who have been part of this journey . This honour means so much to me.”
Brondello has built an extraordinary legacy as both a player and coach, representing the Opals at four Olympic Games and winning three Olympic medals during a distinguished international playing career.
Her transition to coaching has been equally impressive, establishing herself among the most successful coaches in WNBA history.
Brondello has guided two franchises to WNBA championships, first with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014 and subsequently with the New York Liberty in 2024, delivering the latter its inaugural championship.
On the international stage, Brondello continues to shape the success of Australian women's basketball as Head Coach of the Opals, guiding the national team to a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with LA28 ahead.
There is another inductee with a connection to Australia in Dee Kantner, one of the most respected officials in the history of the sport.
A trailblazer in basketball officiating, Kantner became one of the first two women appointed as NBA referees and has officiated at 26 NCAA Women's Final Fours, 16 national championship games and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
Kantner is currently engaged with She Hoops, contributing to the delivery of leadership programs designed to develop, empower and create opportunities for women and girls in basketball.
The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2027 will be formally inducted on Saturday, 26 June 2027, at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States.
